By Rick Olivares
That is not a question that is easy to answer because there are a couple of variables.
The first is, the long two years off due to the Covid-19 pandemic that in my opinion does not help Ateneo’s cause one bit.
Because of the time off, we lost William Navarro and Dwight Ramos.
Because of the time off, the momentum has been blunted; the edge in my opinion, dulled because of rust. I think it has given time for other teams to heal from whatever hurt inflicted on them on the basketball court.
Because of the stoppage, now every team is on the same boat in terms of fitness unless like UST from the other year when they violated IATF protocols.
With no pre-season, it is hard to gauge the team and even the opposition. But I am sure every team will schedule their own scrimmages.
Had there been no stoppage, we would have still been prohibitive favorites to win a fourth straight title.
So it’s like starting over.
From the last UAAP game, the Blue Eagles played where Ateneo defeated UST, we have lost seven players. Gone are Thirdy Ravena, Matt and Mike Nieto, Will Navarro, Isaac Go, Adrian Wong, and Pat Maagdenberg.
Of the players fielded during Game Two against UST, the ones who are still there include SJ Belangel, Angelo Kouame, Matthew Daves, Gian Mamuyac, and BJ Andrade.
Other returning players include Raffy Verano, Tyler Tio, Jolo Mendoza, Jason Credo, Gio Chiu, and Troy Mallillin. It is safe to say that Dave Ildefonso has one spot locked in. So competing to complete that roster are RV Berjay, Inand Fornillos, Forthsky Padrigao, Joshua Lazaro, Gabriel Gomez, Andrew Bongo, Sean Quitevis, Jacob Lao, JC Fetalvero, Kyle Ong, and some others. As I understand, they are 25 in the bubble.
This team can shoot, rebound, run, and play defense. They might lack the “big name” Gilas stars they have had in previous years, but they should make up for it with selfless team play.
Should Padrigao and Lazaro make it to the line-up, this will be the biggest Ateneo High School contingent since the five-peat with Belangel, Mamuyac, Andrade, Mendoza, Credo, Chiu, and Ildefonso having played for the Blue Eaglets.
The return of Ildefonso is timely as he should plug that gap left by Ramos’ departure. Dave can score, hit the big shot, rebound, run, and play defense.
Along with SJ, Tyler, and even Jolo, he can take clutch baskets.
I like the fact, that a lot of players can play multiple roles and spots on the floor.
If Forthsky makes it, that gives Ateneo a lot of flexibility in the backcourt with SJ either playing the shooting guard role, one that Tyler and Jolo can fill. That means moving Mamuyac to the three where he can rebound and play defense too.
Gio Chiu will be backing up Kouame in the slot. It would be interesting to see his improvement and how he carries himself on the court. I expect Daves, Verano, and Mallillin to get a lot of playing the four.
The Blue Eagles remain a good team. But how we stack up against the others is anyone’s guess at this point in time. So more than ever, it is the next man up.
Moreover, since we will be playing three games a week. That means there will be a lack of recovery and proper preparation. Then again, every team will have the same challenges.
We don’t know too how Covid-19 will affect the team should someone test positive.
This is literally a season where you have to take it one game at a time.
So can we win a fourth straight title? Yes, but it will not be easy. La Salle is really raring to snatch that crown atop Ateneo's head. UP is good. You know UST will come out prepared. Due to these variables in play, it's a crapshoot.
As the saying goes... trust in Tab.
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